Smarter Assessment System

The SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) will be a computer-adaptive test that includes multiple choice questions, computer-enhanced items, and performance tasks. The system will provide benchmark tools and formative strategies that will continuously guide instruction and provide classroom teachers with information. All components of the assessment system will be aligned to the State Standards. SBAC will be ready for implementaion in 2014-15. Until then, DPI will continue to administer the current federally approved accountability tests (WKCE and WAA-SwD).

Teachers, parents, and students across the country can now access online practice tests aligned to the State Standards. Smarter Balanced has released sets of example test questions for grades 3–8 and 11 in both English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The Practice Tests will help schools prepare for the implementation of the Smarter Balanced Assessment System in the 2014-15 school year.

The Practice Tests provide a preview of the types of questions that will be featured in the summative assessment beginning in 2014-15, including selected-response items, constructed-response items, technology-enhanced items, and performance tasks—extended activities that challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills to respond to real-world problems.

The Practice Tests do not include all the features of the operational assessments. For example, students and teachers will not receive reports or scores from the Practice Tests. Although Smarter Balanced assessments will be computer adaptive, the Practice Tests follow a fixed-form model. By fall 2013, Smarter Balanced will make enhancements to the Practice Tests, including the addition of performance tasks in mathematics, new accommodations for students with disabilities, and scoring rubrics.